Proteomic analysis of possible target-related proteins of cyclophosphamide in mice thymus

Cyclophosphamide (Cy) could induce immuno-suppression such as thymus atrophy and inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation response in mice. But, the mechanism of its effect is still not clear. Polysaccharides isolated from spore of Ganoderma lucidum (GL-SP) could, at least partly, restore the immunological effects against Cy-induced immuno-suppression. In the present study, a two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE)-based comparative proteomic method was conducted to identify the possible target-related proteins of Cy in mice thymus including those could be influenced by GL-SP. Fifteen proteins differentially expressed in Cy-treated mice compared with control were identified. Among the fifteen proteins, combined use of GL-SP with Cy could not affect Cy-induced expression change of three proteins, totally prevented Cy-induced expression change of six proteins, partly prevented Cy-induced expression change of four proteins and further enhanced Cy-induced expression change of two proteins. Results of the present study shed light on the mechanism of Cy-induced immuno-suppression as well as the protective effect of GL-SP against toxicity of Cy.